Whitecaps Could Lift Tarps To Help Set Record At Home Opener

February 16, 2018

The Whitecaps are hoping to "set a record" for attendance at their March 4 MLS home opener against the Impact, and the club could "lift the tarps" covering some sections of B.C. Place Stadium, according to Patrick Johnston of the Vancouver PROVINCE. The team wants to "set a Vancouver pro soccer record for opening day attendance," which it set in '11 when 22,592 fans came to its MLS debut at Empire Field. If the Whitecaps can "sell out the lower bowl next month -- 27,837, a number they've hit only twice, both in the playoffs -- they'll have set a new record." The Whitecaps in '18 are eyeing "consistent crowds in the 28,000 range as their target." But Whitecaps COO Rachel Lewis said that opening up seating in the "upper sections of the stadium ... is still some time away" (Vancouver PROVINCE, 2/16).